Mistakes in a Distance Education Course
Finding and Correcting Errors in the Online Classroom
Nov 3, 2009
The majority of online classes are now created by instructional designers, and instructors themselves actually have little to do other than to input personal information and personalize a few items. However, this does not always prevent errors from occurring in the course set up itself. Awareness of the possibly of errors within a course, and preparation for addressing, them can help to create a very successful course.
Types of Errors That may Occur in Internet-based Learning
There are several types of errors that may occur in an online format. Some of the main mistakes instructors should be conscious of include:
- Typographical errors in assignment instructions: these errors may be harmless such as having the word "the" spelled "hte" or extremely harmful such as leaving out the word "not" at a key juncture (for example, "Do not use sources mentioned in the class forum").
- Contradictory assignment due dates that appear in different areas of the course: different dates can be devastating to a student planning to complete a project in two weeks only to find it is due in three days.
- Well meaning students perpetuating their own misunderstandings: among the most difficult to detect, these result from one student not realizing s/he has misinterpreted directions and thus posting inaccurate assistance for classmates.
- Instructor oversight that creates contradictions for students: instructors may forget or simply miscommunicate directions when asked in a forum, thus causing difficulties for students who are attempting to correlate the assignment directions with an instructor's brief post.
The Challenge of Detecting Errors
A website for the University of Maryland that offers tips for online teachers notes that the lack of nonverbal cues makes it "critically important to write in a clear and straightforward manner.This goes a long way to minimizing potential misinterpretations." However, even if an instructor makes every effort, errors such as the above may still occur.
The challenge comes in when students are trying to make sense of an error and fail to bring it to the attention of the instructor. This can cause a ripple effect with more students being drawn into the error without an instructor even realizing the problem is occurring.
Signs That Errors May be Creating Problems
Instructors should be constantly monitoring discussions and alert to student posts that indicate confusion. A student who is typically on time with all assignments, who suddenly misses one, would be a good tip for an instructor to review the listed due dates, as would student discussions that do not reflect the urgency of an upcoming date when one is approaching.
Posts that seem confusing to an instructor in any manner should be seriously reviewed. An instructor should never simply write off a comment that seems off track as something irrelevant to the functioning of the course.
Creating a Plan for the Best Distance Education Course Possible
From the very onset of a course, an effective instructor will make sure students feel comfortable approaching him/her with any questions or concerns. Maintaining open communication by reminding students that the instructor welcomes all comments and questions will help immensely in combating errors.
Reinforcing the idea that the instructor respects students and thus no question is a "stupid question" will encourage students to discuss their own confusion as opposed to suffering in silence.
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